Compare Ireland Bike Tours by Discovery Bicycle Tours vs Northern & Southern Ireland by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,995 | $ 2,880 |
| Price Per Day | $ 428 | $ 360 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
“Ireland, especially the rural West, is a cyclist’s dream.” So says Bicycling magazine, and you will surely agree. There’s an endless network of winding back roads where lazy sheep are often your only company. Green meadows lead down to the sea, magical mist-covered mountains are off in the distance, while around every turn you are likely to come upon cows grazing around a medieval castle, Stone Age ruins, or the remains of an ancient cathedral. Stone cottages are tucked along the edges of green pastures dotted with sheep, and each small village looks more Irish than the last. And the Irish are even friendlier than their reputation – warm and welcoming, and always ready to engage you in the gentle pleasures of good conversation while you enjoy a bit of traditional Irish music at the local pub. |
The northern nooks and the regal Republic – see it all on an eight-day adventure on both sides of the Irish border. Travel past green pastures, stunning lakes, striking cliff faces and, in the evening, head straight to the pub for a Guinness (or two). Visit medieval castles and ancient sites filled with folklore and whimsy, and marvel at the views of Ireland's rugged coastline, including the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway. Hitting the cities of Belfast and Dublin, don't forget to gather your travel crew together for some pub grub and live music to cap off a tour that hits all the hotspots of Ireland. ‘To be sure?’, you say? Why yes, we’re sure. |
Day 1: Arrival Day; Distance: 16 miles; Terrain: Easier
Accommodation: Gregans Castle Hotel
Arrive at Shannon Airport. Discovery Bicycle Tours will provide transportation to Gregans Castle Hotel. After lunch, there will be a bike fitting and safety instructions followed by an afternoon warm-up ride. You will cycle country lanes through the “Burren”, passing through Noughaval, and including a visit to the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen.
Day 2: Distance: 22 or 26 miles; Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
Accommodation: Gregans Castle Hotel
Ride through Lisdoonvarna and out to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Then have lunch in Doolin, Ireland’s music capital, followed by a spectacular oceanside ride along the Coast Road to Ballyvaughan. Local guide Shane Connolly will also lead a nature walk through the Burren. Enjoy a post dinner trip to either Doolin or Kilfenora for a taste of local music and dancing.
Day 3: Distance: 10 or 22 miles; Terrain: Easier
Accommodation: Rosleague Manor
Ferry out to the famous Aran Islands where we vist the ancient fort of Dun Aengus and ride along the rugged coastline. Then we ferry north of Galway to Connemara and the Rosleague Manor.
Day 4: Distance: 23 or 30 miles; Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
Accommodation: Rosleague Manor
Ride along Killary Harbor and in the valleys of the Maamturk Mountains. Visit beautiful Kylemore Abbey. Option hiking in Letterfrack.
Day 5: Distance: 27 miles; Terrain: Easier
Accommodation: Quay House
Starting at the Rosleague Manor, we ride to Cleggan, then along the ocean and famous Skye Road, past Clifden Castle and into the town of Clifden. Guests will enjoy strolling the streets of this lovely town with its many local crafts, shops and places of interest.
Day 6: Distance: 32, 39 or 49 miles; Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
Accommodation: Quay House
From Clifden we take a road that leads through peat bogs and past fishing weirs to Roundstone. Roundstone is a lovely fishing village with excellent ceramics and pottery, and the workshop where Malachy Kearns makes his world famous Bodhram drums. We also enjoy a beautiful ride along Ballynahinch River, along some inland lakes, and by a series of lovely ocean bays. In the evening we enjoy an excellent celebratory dinner at a local restaurant in Clifden.
Day 7: Departure Day
After an early breakfast Discovery Bicycle Tours will transport you back to Shannon Airport or to Galway (your choice). Please note that even with an early start you will not arrive at Shannon Airport earlier than 11 AM, so please book return flights accordingly.
Day 1 Belfast
Welcome to Belfast and the Emerald Isle! Your Irish adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. As you don't spend much time in Belfast as part of the trip, we recommend you arrive a few days early to make the most of it. If you happen to do so, spend some time wandering the streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, or perhaps visit the leafy suburbs of South Belfast or the stately City Hall in Donegal Square. Make sure you also visit the revitalised waterfront area where you will find the Titanic Belfast monument on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the legendary RMS Titanic was built. The monument tells the story of the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.
Day 2 Giant's Causeway / Belfast
Take a private transfer to the renowned natural wonder known as The Giant's Causeway (approximately 2.5 hours), travelling along the scenic and rugged wild coast north of Belfast. Giant's Causeway is home to roughly 40,000 basalt columns. The landmark has inspired artists and storytellers for centuries. Depending on the school of thought you wish to believe, they are either the result of an ancient volcanic eruption or a rather big argument between rival giants! Upon return to Belfast in the evening, why not visit the areas that have a connection to the Troubles, such as Shankill Road, the unionist Protestant area, the nationalist and Catholic area, as well as the 'Peace Wall'. Explore the local neighbourhoods to get more of a feel of this regenerated city, perhaps with a visit to a local pub for a meal with your travel crew.
Day 3 Galway
This morning, travel by public bus to the harbour city of Galway – capital of the county of the same name. You will be crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, so you may need to switch your Pounds for some Euros at this point. While you're in Galway, you could visit the impressive Galway Cathedral. Its full name, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is far more elaborate than the simplicity of its building.
Day 4 Aran Islands / Galway
Enjoy a day trip by ferry to the Aran islands, which have been crafted by centuries of wild winds and smashing waves. The islands are one of the few places where the Irish language is still spoken on an everyday basis. You’ll travel by minibus and on foot to explore the native flora and fauna, with visits to the ruins of a church and a lighthouse. There are also some remains from Bronze and Iron Age fortresses to be found. If you're lucky you may even spot a seal lounging on the rocky shore! Return to Galway for a free evening and time for more exploration. The best way to take in the spirit of this city is by attending a live performance in one of the many pubs, accompanied by a pint of Guinness, of course.
Day 5 Cliffs of Moher / Adare / Killarney
The magnificent Cliffs of Moher will leave you in awe with their striking look over the Irish coastline. The daring can walk to the edge and watch puffins nesting along the cliff face (from April to late July). Learn about the history of the famous site and its feathered inhabitants at the Cliffs Exhibition. Next stop is the quaint village of Adare. Arrival into Killarney is in the late afternoon. You'll learn quickly that pubs are the heartbeat of Ireland, whether you're interested in guzzling beer or simply getting to know more about Irish culture, pubs are definitely an important part of any Irish adventure – the place for infectiously cheerful music, tall tales and making friends over a pint or two. The Irish take their beer seriously, so this is a great chance to taste a variety of rich 'real ales'. Get to know classic pub fare such as Irish stew, chowders and fish and chips, while also sampling less familiar dishes such as coddle, boxty and champ.
Day 6 Ring of Kerry / Killarney
Prepare for picturesque rolling green hills and breathe in the salty coastal air as you travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry – a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland. You'll pass through bucolic villages and enjoy views across some of Ireland's greatest beaches, beautiful lakes and rivers as well as a bit of dramatic coastal scenery. It's the perfect place for a small town crime drama to be set. Travelling by private vehicle will allow you to stop frequently at any of the numerous outlooks along the way for photos. You’ll visit a sheep farm and will see a demonstration of sheep herding – with skilled border collie dogs at work rounding up the sheep, and following commands from the shepherd, they’re no doubt full of practice. Arrive back into Killarney in the early afternoon. If there is enough time perhaps head out to Ross Castle, picturesquely sitting on the shores of Lough Leane.
Day 7 Dublin / Cork
Travel by train to Cork and take a city tour led by your leader. Cork is known as the culinary capital of Ireland, so grab a bite before boarding another train this time bound for the real, proud capital of the Republic of Ireland - Dublin. Spend the evening exploring the cobbled streets of this humming city or drop into the pub for a pint and a yarn. Dublin has much to offer, so make sure you go out and maximise your time here. In the evening, perhaps get your group together and cosy up at a local pub or head into town to find a cool restaurant or bar in Dublin’s Creative Quarter, also known as the city’s 'hipster triangle'.
Day 8 Dublin
As there are no activities planned for today, you are free to head on your way at any time, providing you comply with the accommodation’s internal check-out policy. You might want to return to Belfast by train or further explore Dublin and surrounding area. Your leader can be of assistance in organising train tickets back to Belfast. If you’d like, additional accommodation can be booked in both locations (subject to availability).
